This new category of competition is part of a nationwide USSA initiative to encourage skills development among young Alpine ski racers. Skiers compete in events that test their abilities at single and double pole plants and at completing a course on only the right or left ski. There is also an event called apex, which is based on a drill in which the racer skis a series of doubled brush gates designed to improve the ability to effectively set up gates and carve arcs through them. Each competitor is rated one through seven on each skill, and the winner is the young man or woman with the highest overall total.

Mount Snow Academy U14 racers (ages 12 and 13) had a good time and a successful day at this event. Danie Edwards (Stamford, CT) placed third overall, Alexandra Welter (Babylon, NY) took fifth, and Leah Montello (Stamford, CT) came in 11th among the 30-plus girls who competed.